Mosaic Theater Company: Somewhere Over the Border

Somewhere Over the Border is a DC premiere musical by Brian Quijada, directed by Raymond O. Caldwell. A fresh reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, it transforms Dorothy into Reina, who travels from El Salvador north toward America. Inspired by the true story of Quijada’s mother’s immigration in the 1970s, the production blends joyful theatrical imagination with the dangers and difficult realities of the immigrant journey.

As Reina makes her way toward the Mexican border, she forms friendships, confronts danger, and holds on to the memory of the young boy she left behind while pursuing a better life for them both. The score draws on cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock, hip-hop, and other musical styles. Quijada is the award-winning co-creator and star of Mexodus, which premiered at Mosaic before continuing with two Off-Broadway runs.

When: September 10 through October 4, 2026

Showtimes: September 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m.; September 13, 20, and 27 at 3 p.m.; September 26 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 1 at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.; October 2 at 7:30 p.m.; October 3 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and October 4 at 3 p.m.

Venue: Atlas Performing Arts Center, Washington, D.C.

Tickets: The page provides ticket links, but no prices are listed.

Title: Somewhere Over the Border

Designation: DC premiere

Playwright: Brian Quijada

Director: Raymond O. Caldwell

Musical styles: Cumbia, Mexican mariachi boleros, rock, hip-hop, and more

Premise: Reina journeys from El Salvador toward America, gathering allies and facing peril along the way while remembering the little boy she left behind.

Inspiration: The playwright’s mother’s immigration from El Salvador to America in the 1970s

Run time: Not specified on the event page

Age guidance: Not specified on the event page

Accessibility: No accessibility information is provided on the event page.

Support: The production is supported by Partners Circle Champions Jordan Bookey and Felix Lloyd; The Bookey Family Foundation; Deborah Carliner and Robert Remes; Dianne and Herbert Lerner; Frank and Emily Vogl; Believers Dr. Bill and Evelyn Braithwaite and Stephen Riddick; Activists Barry and Phyllis Caldwell and Julie and David Zalkind; and Advocates Debbie Goldman and Rosa D. Wiener.